On a recent rainy day, while looking for something new to do, my daughters and I stumbled upon the New Britain Youth Museum at Hungerford Park. I admit that when I first pulled into the parking lot I was doubtful, but inside, my girls discovered a new favorite place in the Hartford area. The museum is small in size, but big in charm. You will not find flashy exhibits and high-tech gadgets, but young children will enjoy the creative play areas, the compact nature center, and the farmyard.  

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, with parades jingle belling and Christmas trees making you feel full of good cheer! For the Philly suburbs, it is time for the holiday lights to shine, for kids to get giddy over a visit with Santa, and even for a chance to harken back to times of yore with Victorian-era Christmas parades, tree lighting ceremonies, and celebrations throughout Chester County. Plus, keep checking our Events Calendar for more holiday fun this season!

Whether you have to work or want to shop, there are plenty of fun options for kids on Black Friday that don’t include getting elbowed over discounted Melissa and Doug toys. Get going on those Santa presents without a reluctant child in tow by signing up for a Black Friday mini camp.

We’ve gathered the drop-off camps being held in Westchester, many of which offer both half- and full-day options, allowing you to choose the schedule that fits your needs. Plan on hitting the Woodbury Commons for deeply discounted outlet gifts? Take a look at our list of drop-off camps in Orange and Rockland counties.

There’s a lot of great holiday happenings going on in Westchester this season, so be sure to follow us on Facebook and sign up for our FREE newsletter to stay in the loop.  

This post is sponsored by The Palace Theatre, but the opinions are those solely of the author.

While there are quite a few holiday movies coming out this season, nothing beats watching your children’s eyes light up in wonder as they watch a story come to life right in front of them. And Connecticut kids will get the chance to enjoy one of the most beloved holiday tales live when Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical takes over the stage at Stamford's historic Palace Theatre.

Featuring two performances on November 28^th (at 3pm and 7pm), Rudolph re-tells the heartwarming story of the little reindeer who's bullied because he looks different. But when he saves the day for Santa, everyone recognizes him as a hero.

This post is sponsored by Frost Valley YMCA, but the opinions are those solely of the author.

‘Tis the season for celebrating long-standing family traditions—and starting some new ones, too. When the holidays get a little too hectic, one of the best ways to take a breather and really enjoy quality family time is with a weekend away. And since you might be short on time, the closer to home, the better.

Our sponsor Frost Valley YMCA—located in the Catskills, about 2.5 hours from midtown Manhattan—is open for family weekends from September until June, but winter is a truly special time to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities (snowtubing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowshoe hikes), as well as indoor fun (the climbing wall and winter-themed arts and crafts). And this year, Frost Valley is offering two getaways at reduced rates to help everyone celebrate the season.

There are several towns and villages around Long Island kicking holiday cheer up a notch with Main Street or Downtown celebrations. With horse-drawn carriage rides, hot chocolate, and Santa Claus sightings, the entire family will really get a kick out of these events. 

And for more seasonal events, check out our Holiday Fun Guide.

In the mood for a movie? The Peanut Movie is getting parents and kids in the holiday spirit; Disney Screen at the Century in Huntington Beach is screening four Pixar movies for the price of one admission; and the beloved Little Mermaid is back at El Capitan. But if you've been trying to find the words to answer your kids' questions about what's happened in Paris, you might try hunkering down for a movie at home one day this week to share a beautiful portrait of Paris as it was and will be again, in the classic film The Red Balloon. This brief film (available at many libraries and Amazon) is about a boy, the balloon that becomes his friend, the bullies that torment him, and the boy’s liberation from cruelty when all of the balloons in Paris join forces to raise him up above the city.

Heading back outdoors, this week brings free days at Descanso and the Arboretum, a Chaparral themed evening in Temescal Gateway Park, curbside stargazing in Burbank and Sylmar, and holiday celebrations in Glendale, Burbank, and Manhattan Beach. For parents of very little ones, the Family Room in San Marino offers two classes for parents struggling with the topic of food: Baby Led Weaning: The Mush Stops Here and Stress-free Toddler Feeding. Sometimes it is nice to get a little help before they find out about fro-yo, ice cream, and pizza.

Though not always easy, there is nothing quite like a childhood in the city. Los Angeles has much to offer and Mommy Poppins has lots of ideas for things to do on our Daily Events Calendar.